Melanoselinum (Apiaceae)

decipiens

From the island of Madera a seldom seen architectural perennial, sometimes known as black parsley, because of its abundant black seed heads. Forming strong upright stems in distinct sections, a result of the scars left by earlier leaves, to a height of up to 2-2.5m, depending on growing conditions. Bearing substantial decoratively pinnately divided leaves a foil for the eventual wide heads of flowering umbels of pinkish flowers. Best grown in a good fertile soil with adequate drainage for winter wet. Best protected in winter. Can self seed, sometimes monocarpic or short lived.